On East Colfax, appearance is everything. The bustling street is well-loved for its eclectic signage and architecture. Spots like Tom’s Diner, the Squire Lounge, the Bluebird Theater and the longstanding Pete’s Kitchen all are markers of a time long past of interesting and arresting constructions in Denver.
Lula Rose General Store, located at Colfax and Madison, has always piqued my interest. Driving or walking by, one immediately notices its nostalgic, old-school diner-like construction. In combination with its beautiful look and massive street-side windows, the other creative feature is the giant and classic “Coffee Shop” billboard that hangs over its roof. It’s—to say the least—a very inviting physical space.
Founded in 2015 by then-24-year-old Oliver Miller-Finkel, the cozy general store is marked by its devout authenticity and character, and its interior is a beautiful appeal to classic coffee shop aesthetics. Inside, the space is small and limited; there’s no wifi and it can be inferred that simple coffee and conversation is the goal of the store. Repurposed wood is used throughout the shop which doubles as a florist, meaning the entire interior is marked by an array of beautiful plants and pottery. The centerpiece of the store, though, is its gorgeous, peak-aesthetic, pale pink La Marzocco espresso machine.
The shop rotates different coffees, most from the Denver area. On the day I was there, they were serving Middle State and Sweet Bloom beans. For coffee options, the shop offers a pretty straightforward and classic menu. Americanos for $3, cappuccinos for $3.75 and the highly recommended cold brew for $3.50. Pastries are provided by Denver’s Thump roasters, and almond, oat and cashew milk are made in house.
Fulfilling the General Store name, the shop offers a collection of non-coffee items depending on whatever the owner is interested in selling that day.
Miller-Finkel named the store after his 92-year-old great-aunt, a former florist in Alabama. Her legacy carries on at both the general store and his new venture, Little Lula Rose, a combination florist and coffee shop. If the general store is more so a coffee shop that sells some flowers, Little Lula is a floral shop that sells a little coffee. The quaint shop opened after demand for plants and flowers was restricted by the space of the general store. Little Lula offers full floral options while providing a stripped down yet still excellent coffee experience à la its big sister.
The Lula Rose atmosphere is a classic and authentic one. Both spaces hark back to simpler times where communities revolved around institutions such as floral shops, general stores and unpretentious cafes. The fact that the deeply well-crafted stores are the product of a such a young entrepreneur shows the unique quality of the spaces. The two outposts of Miller-Frinkel’s charming empire are equally deserving of a visit and are lovely markers of Denver’s evolving indie coffee landscape.
